I miss Super Eagles – Ekong

William Troost-Ekong, former captain of the Nigerian national football team, has shared his feelings about life after international retirement, admitting he misses the camaraderie and experiences with the Super Eagles. Troost-Ekong concluded his decade-long international career in December 2025, a period marked by significant achievements including an Africa Cup of Nations medal and an Olympic bronze.

Speaking on the Bassey Talks podcast, the 32-year-old defender stated that while he has no regrets about his decision to step away from the national team, he finds it difficult to watch the team play without him. "More than anything, I miss being with the guys. I miss being with… this is family to me, you know," Troost-Ekong said. He described moments of longing, saying, "when I see the team on TV now, I have my hands itching like I want to be there with them again, to share those moments."

“

More than anything, I miss being with the guys. I miss being with… this is family to me, you know.

Troost-Ekong's retirement followed Nigeria's unsuccessful bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and preceded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He made his Super Eagles debut in June 2015 and became a defensive cornerstone, forming the renowned "Oyibo Wall" partnership with Leon Balogun. His most memorable achievement was captaining Nigeria to the final of the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, where he also scored three goals, earning him the tournament's Best Player award and the title of the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history with five goals.

Troost-Ekong retired with 83 caps, eight goals, an Olympic bronze medal from Rio 2016, and AFCON silver and bronze medals, leaving a legacy as one of Nigeria's most decorated defenders.

“

when I see the team on TV now, I have my hands itching like I want to be there with them again, to share those moments.